The argument relies on an analogy between the works of human design – machines and other artefacts – and the world. The observation that the universe contains features of design is based on the similarities that it seems to share with humanly designed objects and hence, leads to the conclusion that just as human machines have a designer, so too must the universe. Like effects presume like causes: human design points to a human designer, and hence the design in the universe points to a designer.
William Paley’s analogy of the watch and watchmaker illustrates the process of reasoning. He used the example of finding a watch on a heath, which could not be satisfactorily explained by saying it has always been there. Its features demonstrate purpose design and an ultimate function, and all its points unite to fulfil that purpose. Even materials used are those best suited to fulfil their function, although others could have been utilised , and even if parts appear to malfunction or if we are ignorant of their purpose, this is not sufficient to disprove that it has been designed.
Paley was quick to point out that he was not claiming that the universe and the works of human design are exactly the same, indeed, he observed that the works of nature are greater and far more than those of man, and by implication, the designer of those works is greater than the human designer. God is therefore the supreme designer.
Although the design argument is an old one, it has continued to be popular and F.R. Tennant proposed an aesthetic form of the argument. Beauty is not essential for survival, yet many things in the universe are beautiful and equipped with far more than they need for simple existence or for the survival of the fittest. Art, music and the deepest human emotions are part of a complex pattern of human experience and suggest a personal, benevolent designer with a real interest in his creation. The god of classical theism would seem to fulfil this description.
Richard Swinburne argued that theism is the best explanation for the design that is apparent in the universe and points not only to the order and purpose that it displays, but also to the providential nature of the universe, which contains everything that is necessary for the survival of humans and nature. This universe is one in which man is designed to occupy the highest position, and the natural laws within it function to make it a place in which man can contribute meaningfully to its development.
